Happy Memorial Day!

On the last Monday of every May,  we as Americans take the day off of work and gather with our families and friends.  We go to community celebrations, we have cookouts and barbecue's, and we celebrate the approach of summer with parties, food and festivities.

It is our duty and responsibility, however, to remember what the true meaning of Memorial Day is all about.  Originally called "Decoration Day", Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  Origins of this special day date all the way back to 1868, when it was officially proclaimed and first observed.  In 1915, poet Moina Michael began the trend of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day when she wrote:

We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.

This Memorial Day, we hope that you will take a moment to remember why you are off of work, enjoying your time with the people you love.  The phrase "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" rings true every day.  Some of our nation's heroes give their lives on the battlefield to protect our rights, our freedom, our lives...  We owe them more than words could say.  Let's start by taking this day to truly remember their sacrifice and be grateful for their service.  

From all of us at Healing Heroes Network, we wish you a Happy Memorial Day!!

NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

2014 marks the 15th year that our nation has designated the entire month of May to celebrating, honoring and appreciating all of the men and women who have served and are currently serving in America's armed forces.  At Healing Heroes Network, we are so excited about what this month brings, and how it joins all of us in remembering to show our gratitude to the very Heroes who ensure our freedom.  Here are some special dates to remember this May:

All month long - Military Appreciation month

Armed Forces week - May 10 - May 18

Loyalty Day - May 1
Remembrance Day for fallen Heroes of WWII - May 8 - May 9

V-E Day - May 8

Military Spouse Day - May 9

Armed Forces Day - May 17

Memorial Day - May 26

We hope that you will take the opportunity this month to do something special in honor of these courageous men and women.  You could organize a fundraising event in your community, send a care package to service members stationed overseas through Healing Heroes Network's "Morale Package" program, fly the American flag on your house or car all month long, support a military charity, say "THANK YOU for your service" when you see a person dressed in military uniform...  The possibilities are endless!

Whatever you decide to do this month to show your appreciation, we hope you remember to be grateful every day, all year long, to the Heroes that make our freedom possible!  Visit the National Military Appreciation Month website at www.nmam.org for more ideas and information! 

Happy 222nd Birthday Coast Guard

August 4, 2012, is the 222nd birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard. It's a great time to take a second to learn the history of this branch of our military and appreciate everything the USCG does for us.

Happy Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 19th is the U.S. Armed Forces Day. But what does that really mean?